Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2007 Bmw X5 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2011 to Dec 2013
The most reported issue is air bags problems (17 complaints). 6 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (8)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V017000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V017000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V016000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V030000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V020000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V746000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V683000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V364000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 143)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic →2 issues
Your brakes are responding slowly when you press the brake pedal, and this has happened multiple times. A mechanic diagnosed that your secondary hydraulic pump needs to be replaced. This is a serious issue since delayed braking can be dangerous, and you'll need to have the hydraulic pump replaced to restore normal brake function.
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Your brakes failed to stop the vehicle in a normal amount of time, extending your stopping distance by 60-70 feet when you applied the brakes while driving. The BMW dealer confirmed your vehicle wasn't covered by a related recall. The problem wasn't repaired, and occurred around 96,871 miles.
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Air Bags →2 issues
Your passenger airbag warning light came on. You previously received an email about a recall involving your passenger airbag potentially exploding, but when you contacted the BMW dealer, they said they have no airbag recall on file for your vehicle. You should verify your vehicle's recall status and contact BMW customer service to clarify the discrepancy.
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Your passenger-side airbag warning light came on, and a mechanic diagnosed that the passenger-side airbag needs to be replaced. The airbag wasn't repaired at that time. You'll need to have the airbag module replaced by a qualified technician, which involves removing the dashboard trim and safely installing a new airbag unit.
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Engine →2 issues
Your engine is consuming excessive amounts of oil due to faulty valves and seals, which causes smoke to escape from under the hood and enter your cabin, potentially causing dizziness and creating a fire hazard. The buildup of oil residue is the underlying cause of the smoking issue. Fixing this will likely require replacing the faulty valves and seals in your engine.
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Your engine is losing coolant regularly — you need to add a gallon of water before each drive. You're also burning through about a quart of oil daily, and there's oil leaking onto the ground beneath your car. The coolant loss suggests a leak in the cooling system, while the severe oil consumption points to internal engine wear or leaks.
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Engine And Engine Cooling →2 issues
Your 2007 BMW X5 made an abnormal sound while driving, and the dealer discovered a damaged PCV valve during inspection. You were notified of a recall (Campaign 17V683000) related to engine and engine cooling, but the repair was never completed on your vehicle. BMW claims in their records that the recall was done in 2021, but you're reporting it wasn't. The fix would involve replacing the PCV valve and completing the recall service.
Parts you may need:
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You noticed an oil leak coming from the valve cover area on your X5, along with an unusual odor in that location. Your dealer is aware of the issue and there's an active recall (NHTSA Campaign 22V119000) for this problem, but the replacement part isn't available yet. The repair will likely involve replacing the valve cover gasket or related sealing components to stop the oil leak.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,service Brakes, Hydraulic,engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
Your 2007 BMW X5 lost power steering while driving, displaying warning messages about steering and 4WD problems, and the brake warning light came on. The dealer replaced the foot pedal module, but the issues continued after three service visits. On another occasion, the engine stalled when you pressed the accelerator, and the dealer eventually replaced the cooling system, though they couldn't identify the exact cause of the acceleration failure. Repairs may involve diagnosis and replacement of the steering system components, brake hydraulic system, and engine cooling components.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
Your car may experience unintended acceleration combined with a loss of braking power. The owner reported the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the brakes became ineffective, resulting in a head-on collision with a tree at approximately 50 mph. A check engine light appeared the afternoon before the accident, indicating an underlying issue that hadn't been diagnosed yet.
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Electrical System,air Bags,structure →1 issue
Your panoramic sunroof's drain tubes can become kinked, causing water to back up and overflow into the interior, potentially damaging electrical components, airbags, and wiring throughout the cabin. Water leaking onto electronic systems poses a risk of electrical fires or airbag failure. The drain tubes are routed inside the car's pillars, making them nearly impossible to inspect or repair without disassembly.
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Steering,electrical System,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
While driving on the highway, your car's ABS warning light turns on, followed by most other dashboard warning lights. Then your engine suddenly stops, the transmission won't shift, and the car loses all power while you're moving in traffic. This has happened multiple times even after replacing and registering the battery. The issue appears to be related to the engine wiring harness, which may need inspection or replacement to restore proper electrical connections.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →1 issue
Water is leaking into your front right floor and the rear battery area, causing electrical shorts that have damaged your alternator and battery. Your car died in heavy rain and traffic, creating a dangerous situation for you and your passengers. The dealer believes the sunroof is the source of the water intrusion. Fixing this will likely require sealing the sunroof leak and replacing the shorted electrical components.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
When entering an intersection, your X5 hesitates to move at first, then suddenly accelerates on its own without you pressing the gas pedal. This happens repeatedly every time you drive it, even after coming to a complete stop. You're concerned this unpredictable acceleration could cause an accident. The issue likely involves the fuel delivery, throttle control, or engine management system and needs professional diagnosis.
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Exterior Lighting →1 issue
Your rear passenger tail lamp housing is burnt and melted, preventing you from replacing the bulb. This creates a safety hazard due to potential fire risk and leaves you without proper turn signal or brake light operation. Even replacement housings from salvage yards have arrived with the same burnt condition. The fix will likely require replacing the entire tail lamp assembly.
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Service Brakes →1 issue
While driving at normal speed, you pressed the brake pedal all the way down but your car wouldn't stop. The brakes failed to respond despite full pedal pressure. This likely requires inspection of the brake system components including the master cylinder, brake lines, and brake fluid condition.
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Exterior Lighting,service Brakes →1 issue
Your brake light housing on the passenger side has melted from heat generated by the standard halogen bulb, causing the brake light bulb to fall out of position inside the housing. This means your brake lights may not be visible to drivers behind you when you brake, creating a safety hazard since other drivers won't know you're stopping and could rear-end your vehicle. The housing may also be at risk of fire damage. Fixing this will likely require replacing the brake light housing assembly and possibly using a different bulb type.
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Wheels →1 issue
Your tire suddenly blew out while driving at low speed (under 10 mph), even though you didn't hit anything on the road. This suggests a potential manufacturing defect or structural failure with the tire itself rather than impact damage.
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Air Bags,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your airbag warning light stays on constantly and is preventing you from accessing dashboard controls. Additionally, your car's engine speed doesn't respond properly when you press the accelerator — it only accelerates when you push the pedal all the way to the floor. The underlying issue likely involves a faulty airbag sensor or accelerator sensor that needs diagnostic scanning and replacement.
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other,electronic Stability Control (esc) →1 issue
Your car's alarm keeps going off while the engine is running and won't stop even when you press the lock button. Unplugging the battery temporarily silences it, but the alarm continues for about 15 minutes after you reconnect power before finally stopping. This alarm issue is draining your battery quickly, even when it's brand new.
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